“Shit,” he grumbled low and shoved away from the table.
Just like that, Kira and Ms. Pumpkin sat on their own at the kitchen island.
“What a surprise,” Adelle said from the other room.
“Well,” the other woman started. “I—” A pause and then a gasp loud enough for Kira to hear from the kitchen. “What are you doing here?”
“I was going to ask you that,” Zayne said.
“I didn't think I'd see you today. I found a new bakery this morning. Your mom and I had breakfast together once a week while you were away.”
The reality of living in Adelle's home felt much more complicated now that another person had entered.
“That is so sweet,” Adelle said. “I was worried you'd be too busy with Zayne home now.”
“I'm never too busy for breakfast with you.”
“So, Mellie.” Adelle's voice. “I was planning to send you a message today. We have family staying with us for a while.”
“Do you?” Mellie sounded elated. “Is it Brandon's mom again?”
“No.” Zayne this time. “My cousin.”
Kira chewed her lip and slid off her chair. A cousin would enter about now, right? That seemed normal.
“Her name is Kira,” Adelle said. “She's finishing up breakfast.”
Wincing at the thought of angering Zayne, she eased into the doorway. The floor-to-ceiling windows lining the east side of the living room bathed Mellie in sunlight. She stood close to Zayne, arm brushing his. And she didn't just soundlike spring. Everything about her reminded Kira of freshly warming days and the crispness of budding leaves.
“A new friend.” Mellie clapped. Then her eyes narrowed while she slapped Zayne's chest. “Why didn't you tell me?”
He stared at his fiancée with an impassive look, one that masked simmering fury at yet another person wanting to be Kira's friend. “I forgot,” he said.
Mellie groaned before directing her attention back to Kira. “I'm Mellie. He probablyforgotto tell you I even exist.”
True. Zayne never mentioned her, but then Zayne would never disclose anything to Kira he didn't need to. Not even something as innocuous as whether it was raining outside. “I'm Kira.”
Mellie ran to her, surprising her by grabbing her in a tight hug. “You tell me everything you need while you're here. The Rivens are so not friendly.” When she drew back, she still squeezed Kira's arms. “Except Adelle, obviously. Sorry to insult your family, but it's true.”
“Oh no,” Kira said, feeling Zayne's anger building across the room. “I know how they are.”
“But you seem sweet. Look at you and your little freckles.”
“Mellie,” Zayne said, voice shy of annoyed. “Don't overwhelm her.”
Pivoting to Kira's side, Mellie looped her arm through hers. “I'm having girl talk, sweetheart. Kira likes it.” Then in a whisper just to Kira, Mellie said, “Ignore him. He's a huge grump when he's not sleeping.”
Zayne bristled.
Not sleeping? Just like at Dr. Cooper's. The strained look on his face that night in the kitchenette painted over her view of him now.
Did Mellie not understand why Zayne didn't sleep? It surprised her that his fiancée didn't speak in a softer tone about his insomnia after all the people he had lost. Or that she spoke of it at all.
Adelle studied her son.
“He's trying to be polite and not say…” Kira smiled at Mellie, giving a natural wince. “I'm here because I haven't been well. Adelle is so comforting. My family thought a break here might help me. It's too hard for me to even leave the house.”
Mellie released Kira's arm, her hand pressing against her heart. “I'm so sorry. I'm an idiot.”
